11 Local Brands All Indians Love

One of the largest food brands in India, Britannia has been around for more than 100 years. From the sweet-cardamom flavoured rusk Indians always have with their cuppa to the fruit bar cakes and Bourbon and Marie Gold biscuits many prefer having in their purse for a quick hunger fix, Britannia’s products are enjoyed by all. With a presence in over 60 countries across the world, this local brand is loved not only by Indians but foreign folks, as well.

Managed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd., Amul is a milk and dairy brand that is almost guaranteed to be found in every Indian household. You’ll find fridges filled with milk, butter, bread, cheese, paneer, yogurt and ghee (clarified butter) from the renowned brand. Amul is also known for its quirky print ads, often focusing on the country’s path-breaking movies, sports, social issues and political atmosphere.

When it comes to frozen desserts, Kwality Wall’s reigns supreme in India. It started out in 1956 and in 1995, it was acquired by Hindustan Unilever and has since grown to become a giant of a brand. Its frozen treats, such as Cornetto, Feast, Kulfi and Creamy Delights, are loved by everyone, both young and old. With so many different varieties and flavours, it’s no wonder that this red and white heart label has grown to be so popular.

This instantly recognizable red and white brand has held a special place in Indians’ hearts since it was invented in 1996, thanks in large part to its refreshing tagline ‘A lot can happen over coffee’. It offers a variety of coffee and other beverages, along with quick bites and on any given day, you’re sure to see it filled up with patrons. The company has more than 1,500 cafes across 28 states in India. Plus, it also has an international presence in Malaysia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Egypt.

Haldiram’s is a long-established Indian sweets and snacks brand with a presence in India as well as overseas, including the USA, UK, UAE, Canada and Australia, among others. From frozen foods to ready-to-eat dishes, dairy items, beverages, traditional Indian fare, sweets, savouries and snacks, Haldiram’s has a wide range of products to suit any palate and its reasonable price makes it a top choice among Indians. There’s bound to be a restaurant, bakery or confectionery store selling these products near you – wherever you’re travelling in India.

There are a plethora of apparel brands in the country, but Indians never part with their beloved Raymond. Founded in 1925 as a fabrics brand, today, you can also find ready-to-wear apparel composed of a blend of classic style and a contemporary, casual touch. This brand captures about 60% market share in the suiting segment. With 1,100 stores spread across 380 towns and cities and 20,000 points-of-sale in the country, and continually expanding, this brand will definitely continue to be appreciated by Indians for many more years to come.

Even though nowadays, many cosmetic brands have entered the beauty market, Lakmé remains a top choice for Indian women. Owned by Hindustan Unilever, the brand was founded in 1952 and has been setting beauty trends ever since. The company offers a wide range of products, from skin care to make-up, solar protection, nail products and more. Its Absolute Skin Natural Mousse, Lakmé CC Cream and Weightless Mousse Foundation are just some of the brand’s much-loved products.

This iconic company rules the cigarette industry in India. It is also among the leading players in food, personal care, hotels and Information Technology. It rakes in more than 9 billion dollars of revenue every year and owns a stack of brands. These well-known ITC brands include Aashirvaad and Sunfeast (food), John Players (clothing), Vivel and Savlon (lifestyle) and Gold Flake and Navy Cut (cigarettes). Every Indian surely buys something from this company, given that their products are available in almost every retail store across the country.

Kingfisher, an Indian beer, is a favourite among the locals and the hordes of travellers who visit the country each year. The most popular of its brews include Kingfisher Premium, Kingfisher Red, Kingfisher Ultra and Kingfisher Strong. It is available in 52 other countries as well. This brand is also associated with airlines, sports and even fashion.

When brands like Dabur, HUL and ITC have already found a strong footing in the FMCG sector, it is tough to crack this segment. But Patanjali Ayurved, which entered the industry in 2014, managed to become one of the most sought-after FMCG brands in the country in no time. Its use of natural and Ayurvedic components in all of its products and its affordable pricing have earned the brand loyal fans across the country. Their product line ranges from food to cosmetics, beauty and baby items, medicine, dental care and even textiles. With over 4,700 retail stores across the country – and only showing signs of expansion – it’s no wonder that Patanjali is a much-loved brand in India.

Future Group’s Big Bazaar is India’s answer to USA’s Walmart – a retail chain of more than 250 stores in over 120 cities and towns across India. From food and grocery staples to home and kitchen appliances, personal care, sportswear, kids’ utilities, cosmetics, electronics, footwear and high-end fashion, they have everything you might conceivably need under one roof – and at a discounted price, too. So, it’s no wonder that for many Indians, it is a one-stop shopping destination in the truest sense.